Asymmetry in quasi-fixed exchange-rate systems

A stochastic model of an international payments system is formulated with the assumptions that: (1) international reserves are held in the form of a key currency; (2) fixed exchange rates are subject to infrequent change; (3) deficit countries depreciate more readily than surplus countries appreciate. The model is implemented with historical data. Time paths for international reserves and prices under alternative assumptions are secured through Monte-Carlo simulation. The paths show that anti-inflationary policy by the key-currency country — viz, the United States — is easily multiplied by exchange-rate changes by other countries.